Paper Producer Cutting Jobs In Ga.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) -- International Paper has announced the company will soon eliminate 75 positions at its mill in Augusta.

The Augusta Chronicle (http://bit.ly/Wq9kKe ) reports the February eliminations are a result of the company shutting down one of three paperboard production lines at its plant in Augusta. The Augusta mill has sister plants in Riegelwood, N.C., and Texarkana, Texas, and the plants manufacture coated paperboard products that are used to make folding cartons and package liners.

Company officials told the newspaper decreased demand for the products contributed to the move. Officials say the company will try to achieve some of the eliminations through offering retirement to some employees.

International Paper representatives say the Augusta mill will still employ more than 700 people after the positions are eliminated.